Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso’s future, previously the subject of speculation, has now been clarified.
ESPN.es have reported that despite signing a three year contract at the start of last season, Xabi Alonso will leave Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the 2024/25 campaign.
Xabi Alonso guided Leverkusen to an incredible Bundesliga and DFB Pokal domestic double last season in what was his first full campaign as a top division head coach.
Now he seems set to depart after less than three seasons in the role, with ESPN making clear that there is a consensus on his destination: he is heading to the Spanish capital to replace Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid.
Previously held wisdom was that Alonso would see out his contract with Leverkusen and then join Madrid, especially as Ancelotti’s deal with Los Blancos also expires in June 2026.
But Madrid’s struggles at the start of this season combined with the thrashing handed out by Hansi Flick’s high-flying Barcelona side has accelerated thinking at the Santiago Bernabeu and they are no longer interested in waiting until 2026.
Madrid’s interest in Xabi Alonso makes total sense. Not only did the Basque coach play for Los Blancos to great success over a five year period, but he has demonstrated tremendous coaching talent with Bayer Leverkusen.